Liverpool just about secured the three points against Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 27.
Rob Edwards’ team went into the game still searching for their first three points of the season.
As a result, it came as little surprise when Liverpool beat Wolves to move into the Champions League places, at least until Chelsea played in the 5:30pm kick-off.
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Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring before Florian Wirtz netted his first goal in the Premier League.
However, it was a bad start to the second half from the Reds, who conceded from a corner six minutes after play resumed.
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What followed was a concerning run of play, and if Liverpool were playing against a better team, they may well have conceded a second.
We have seen this on a number of occasions under Slot this season, including in the 3-3 draw with Leeds United when the Premier League champions blew two-goal and one-goal leads at Elland Road.
It didn’t happen on Saturday, but it was still a displeasing end to the fixture.
Now, former player Stephen Warnock, speaking to BBC Sport, has discussed the reason for Liverpool’s form dipping during the second halves of games, suggesting it is a fitness issue.
He said: “A big result for Liverpool, it was not pretty at all but you have to give credit to Wolves. Liverpool were vulnerable in the second half of games and I feel like there was a real fitness aspect.
“Rob Edwards will be disappointed, but a lot of that comes from the half and the team not being able to hurt Liverpool.”
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Liverpool’s excuses are not good enough
Liverpool have had some injury issues across the campaign, and a few players have suffered quite a bit, Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong being the standout examples.
But we are just days away from the January transfer window opening, and have played half a season.
Can fitness still be used as an excuse? It seems a bit of a stretch at this stage, especially from the majority of the eleven, who have stayed fit for much of the campaign so far.
As well as claims about fitness, Slot said Liverpool won’t make the top four this term unless set pieces are sorted out.
Yet, the Reds conceded another against Wolves. Who is to blame for that? Most fans will probably point to the coaching staff, who, like with the fitness of players, have now had half a season to sort it out.
Liverpool got lucky against a struggling team this weekend, but unless they buck their ideas up soon, they could be on the receiving end of some poor results against the likes of Arsenal in January.
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